Washing machine



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5 Sheets-Sheet 3 cool nanou Il 1I ouoa onnoooo nooo, ououuoo R. s. GAUGLER WASHING MACHINE l anco consono April 15, 1952 Filed Aug. 2l, 1948 [3,128 H34 l A NToR. S /l I @figg L Il il S36 Patented Apr. 15, 1952 WASHING MACHINE Richard S. Gaugler, Dayton, Ohio, assignor to General Motors Corporation, Dayton, Ohio, a corporation of Delaware Application August 21, 194s, serial No. 45,476

(C1. ca -21) Claims.

This invention relates to domestic appliance, and more particularly to a washing machine and method of washing clothes or the like.

An object of this invention is to provide a washing machine with improved means for wringing the clothes.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved means for wringing clothes or the like.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, wherein a preferred form of the present invention is clearly shown.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view, partly diagrammatic, of a. washing machine embodying features of my invention;

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of the controls of the washing machine;

Fig. 3 is a vertical cross-section of a modified form, during the washing operation;

Fig. 4 is a view of the machine shown in Fig. 3, during the wringing operation; and

Fig. 5 is a diagram of the controls for the machine shown in Figs. 3 and 4.

A washing machine shown in Fig. l, and embodying features of my invention, may include a tub I0, provided with an agitator II, driven through the medium of shaft I2 and transmission I3 from motor I4.

The agitator I I may be of any type desired. and is here indicated as vertically reciprocable, being provided .with a perforated soap chamber I5, h aving a removable cover I6. A iiexible bellows l1, of rubber, rubber-like material, or metal, may be interposed between the agitator and tub, to provide a water seal at this point.

The transmission I3 may be any suitable transmission to impart the desired movement to the agitator II. It may be provided with a solenoid control I8, which when energized drives (or stops. as desired) the agitator II. The solenoid I8 may impart its control through the medium of a lever Ia or similar device.

The motor I4 may also drive the water and vacuum pump I9 through the medium of a transmission 20, indicated diagrammatically by a dotted line, which is controlled by a solenoid 2 I. Proper energization (or deenergization, as desired) of solenoid 2| causes motor I4 to drive or stop the pump' I9. The pump I9 has its intake connected to the tub Ill and by the pipe I9a and has its discharge connected to a pipe or hose ISb which may discharge into a stationary tub or drain. Some portion of hose I9b is maintained above the level of the water in tub IIJ as indicated by the dotted line at IBC to prevent undesired drainage.

A water supply pipe 22 may be provided with a combined solenoid, thermostatic and constant now control valve structure 23, which is supplied by hot and cold water pipes 24 and 25. The construction of valve structure 23 is such that it supplies water of the desired temperature to the tub 'I I) at a constant rate of flow.

The motor I4l and solenoid controls I8, 2 Il and 23 may be controlled by a timer, for example as indicated in Fig. 2. The timer may include a timer motor 2li which drives the timer shaft 21 through the medium of speed reduction gearing or transmission 28. The shaft 21 may have a setting knob 29 and a plurality ofY disc cams 30 to 34 inclusive, which respectively actuate the switches 35 to 39 inclusive. These switches establish circuits from the power lines L and L1 respectively through the motor I4, solenoid controls i8, 2|, 23 and timer motor 26. i

While the foregoing washing machine structure has been described in some detail, it is to be understood that such structure may be varied, as desired.

Means are provided for removing the excess water, imparting a squeezing Vpressure onthe clothes, imparting a vacuum around the clothes, andfcausing a flow of air through them. This produces a very efiicient wringing or drying action on the clothes.

To this end a porous, flexible membrane or diaphragm is placed on the washing machine in such position as to impart a physical pressure upon the clothes to squeeze them when a vacuum is imparted within the machine. For example, a cover 4i may be hingedat 42 to the tub I0. It may be provided with openings 43. The membrane 40 may have its periphery 44 secured to the periphery of the cover 4I. The

isbroken.

Preferably the membrane e is of such porosity that at pressure differences less than onehalf atmosphere the membrane will act as a water-tight and substantially air-tight membrane, particularly when wet, as it will be following a washing action. When a further vacuum is imparted, such as about 27 inches of mercury, a small amount of air is drawn through the membrane and passes through the wet clothes on its way to the vacuum pump I9. The air passing through the clothes under vacuum will displace the water held in the capillary crevices of the cloth, and will promote the move ment of the water toward the vacuum drain. This action is primarily one of mechanical displacement and has a scavenging action. There is also a certain amount of vaporization promoted by the ow of air through the clothes.

The exible membrane may be made of special sponge rubber or rubberjlike material, or it may be a densely woven fabric, such as a nylon fabric chemically treated for this speciiic application.

As shown, the membrane 4D is corrugated, as by ring-like corrugations d and 55 molded in the membrane. The central portion 5| may be clamped between the cover 4| and a central plate 52 held by the bolt or rivet 53. The resiliency is such that normally it assumes the position shown in Fig. 1 when no vacuum is imparted within the tub; but it may move downwardly around the agitator II and press on the clothes when the vacuum is produced. When the cover 4| is lifted, the membrane 4! is also lifted, to provide access to the interior of the tub.

While the membrane is disclosed as being suiiciently flexible to press and squeeze the clothes, some of the advantages of my invention may be obtained by the use of a membrane which is not fiexible to that degree.

In operation, the cover AI, and membrane til are lifted to onen the machine. Soap, or other detergent, is placed in the cylindrical chamber I5 by lifting the cover I5, which is thereafter snapped back in place. Clothes are placed in the tub I5 around the agitator II, and the cover 4| is then swung to the closed position of Fig. 1. The timer knob 29 is then moved from the oif position to the start position. This rotates the switch cams on shaft 21, the cam 313 closing the switch 39 vto start the timer motor 25. Simultaneously, or immediately thereafter, the cam closes the switch 38 and maintains it closed for a sufficient length of time to cause the valve structure 23 to introduce the proper amount of water at correct temperatures into the tub It. Continued rotation of the shaft 21 by the timer motor 25 then 'opens switch 38 and closes switches 35 and 35 for a suicient length of time to produce the desired agitation by agitator II. Thereafter switch 35 is opened and switch 3l is closed to cause operation of the pump I9 first to remove the main bodyof water and thereafter to impart a vacuum within the tub. The membrane iii is forced down by the atmospheric pressure (air passing throughV openings llr) to squeeze the clothes, and when a sufficient vacuum is produced, atmospheric air passes through the membrane e3, and through the clothes and is continually discharged by p-mp l. The foregoing cycle of operations may be automatically repeated one or more times by the timer, withthe exception of the opening of the cover. and the introduction of soap or detergent. This produces one or more rinsing operations. If desired, the last vacuum-producing operation may be longer than the previous ones, nnaily to dry the clothes to a greater degree than is necessary before rinsing operations.

In the modifications shown in Figs. 3, 4 and 5, the tub II!! is provided with an agitator III, driven through the medium of shaft Il? and transmission H3 fromV motor HG..

The agitator may be of any type desired, and is here indicated .as vertically reciprocable, being provided with a perforated soap'chamoer H5, having a removable cover IIS. A flexible bellows Ill, of rubber, rubber-like material, or metal, may be interposed between the agitator and tub, to provide a water seal at this point. The soap chamber II5 may be connected by passages ||5a with the space beneath the agitator to provide drainage of the liquid fromY the chamber and from the inner portion of the clothes while they are being pressed.

The transmission H3 may be any suitable transmission to impart the desired movement to the agitator III. It may be provided with a solenoid control EIS, which when energized drives (or stops, as desired) the agitator III. The solenoid l It may impart its control through the medium of a lever IISa or similar device.

The motor IM may also drive the water and vacuum pump ||9 through the' medium of a transmission |25, indicated diagrammatically by a dctted'line, which is controlled by a solenoid I2I. Proper energization (or deenergization, as desired) of solenoid I 2| causes motor II 4 to drive the pump H9. The pump H9 has its intake connected to the tub II by the pipe I Ilia and has its discharge connected to a pipe or hose HSD which may discharge into a stationary tub or drain. The pipe |I9a is provided with a solenoid valve V|I9c which is opened by proper energization (or deenergization) and kvice versa.

A water supply pipe |22 may be provided with a combined solenoid, thermostatic and constant flow control valve structure |23, which is supplied by hot and cold water pipes |24 and |25. The construction of valve struction |23 is such that it supplies water of the desired temperature to the tub ||l at a constant rate of flow. Conveniently the pipe |22 discharges into the washing space through the medium of pipe I I9a.

vThe solenoid valve I ISC is closed when the valve I 23 is open, and vice versa.

The motor II4 and solenoid controls` |I8, I2I, 23 and I ISC may be controlled by a timer, for example as indicated in Fig. 5. The timer may include a timer motor |25 which drives the timer shaft l2? through the medium of spee: reduction gearing or transmission |28. The shaft |21 may have a setting knob |29 and a plurality of disc cams |30 to |34 inclusive, which respectively actuate the switches |35 to |39 inclusive. These switches establish circuits from the power lines L -and L1 respectively through the motor II4,

solenoid controls H8, IIPc, E2I and |23 and timer produces a very eiilcient wringing or drying action on the clothes.

To this end a porous, flexible membrane or diaphragm |40 is placed on the washing machine in such position as to impart a physical pres. sure upon the clothes to squeeze them when a vacuum `is imparted within the machine. For example, a cover |4| may be hinged at |42 to the tub |.|0. The membrane |40 may be in the shape of a bag open at its upper and lower ends and have its upper periphery |44 secured to the periphery |45 of the opening |43 of the tub ||0, which is opened and closed by the cover |4l. The lower periphery |46, of the bag |40. is secured to the lower portion of the tub at |41 in a manner to connect pipe ||9a to the Washing space within the bag.

Preferably the membrane |40 is of such porosity that at pressure differences less than onehalf atmosphere the membrane will act as a water-tight and substantially air-tight membrane, particularly when wet, as it will be following a washing action. When a further vacuum is imparted, such as about 27 inches of mercury, a small amount of air is drawn through the membrane and passes through the wet clothes on its way to the vacuum pump I9. The air passing through the clothes under vacuum will displace the water held in the capillary crevices of the cloth, and will promote the movement of the water toward the vacuum drain. This action is primarily one of mechanical displacement and has a scavenging action. There is also a certain amount of Vaporization promoted by the flow of air through the clothes.

The iiexible membrane may be made of special sponge rubber or rubber-like material, or it may be a densely woven fabric, such as a nylon fabric chemically treated for this specific application.

While the membrane is disclosed as being sufficiently flexible to press and squeeze the clothes, some of the advantages of my invention may be obtained by the use of a membrane which is not flexible to that degree.

The tub ||0 is perforated, as at |48 and |45 to allow air to enter into the space between the tub ||0 and bag |40 at atmospheric pressure. A trough |50 with a drain |5| is provided to catch any water that might slowly filter through the bag 40.

-In operation, the cover |4| is lifted to open the machine. Soap, or other detergent, is placed in the cylindrical chamber I5 by lifting the cover H6, which is thereafter snapped back in place. Clothes are placed in the tub ||0 and bag 40 around the agitator l and the cover |4| is then swung to the closed position and latched. if desired, by a combined handle and latch |52. The timer knob |29 is then moved from the off position to the start position. This rotates the switch cams on shaft |21, the cam |34 closing the switch |39 to start the timer motor |26. Simultaneously, or immediatelv thereafter, the cam |33 closes the switch |38 and maintains it closed for a sufficient length of time to cause the valve structure |23 to introduce the proper amount of water at correct temperature into the tub Il. Continued rotation of the shaft |21 by the timer motor |26 then opens switch |38 and closes switches |35 and |36 for a sufficient length of time to produce. the rie,- sired agitation bv agitator switch |36 is opened and switch |31 is closed to energize Isolenoid 2| to cause operation of the Thereafter r pump ||9 and to energize valve ||9c to open it, first to remove the main body of water and thereafter to impart a vacuum within the tub. The membrane |40 is forced inwardly toward agitator I by the atmospheric pressure (air passing through openings |48 and |49) to squeeze the clothes, and when a sufficient vacuum is produced, atmospheric air passes through the membrane |40, and through the clothes and is continually discharged by pump I3. The foregoing cycle of operations may be automatically repeated one or more times by the timer, with the exception of the opening of the cover, and the introduction of soap or detergent. This produces one or more rinsing operations. If desired, the last vacuum-producing operation may be longer than the previous ones, iinally to dry the clothes to a greater degree than is necessary before rinsing operations.

While the form of embodiment of the invention as herein disclosed, constitutes a preferred form, it is to be understood that other forms might be adopted, as may come within the scope of the claims which follow.

What is claimed is as follows:

1. In a washing machine: Aa tub; means to create a vacuum within said tub; and a. porous diaphragm for said tub having one side exposed to the atmosphere outside said tub and its other side exposed to the interior of said tub, the porosity of said diaphragm being of a character which is impervious to transmission of air when the pressure differential is below one-half atmosphere, and is pervious to the transmission of air when the pressure differential is above one-half atmosphere.

2. In a washing machine: a tub; means to create a vacuum within said tub; means to introduce liquid into said tub; and a porous diaphragm for said tub having one side exposed to the atmosphere outside said tub and its other side exposed to the interior of said tub, the porosity of said diaphragm being of a character which is impervious to transmission of air when the pressure differential is below one-half atmosphere, and is pervious to the transmission of air when the pressure diiferential is above one-half atmosphere.

3. In a washing machine: a tub; vacuum means to create a substantial vacuum within said tub; and a porous diaphragm for said tub having one side exposed to the atmosphere outside said tub and its other side exposed to the interior of said tub; the porosity of said diaphragm being of a character which is pervious to the transmission of air when a substantial vacuum is created in said tub.

4. In a washing machine; a tub; agitating means for said tub in the central lower portion of said tub; a cover for said tub; a porous diaphragm carried by said cover having one side exposed to the atmosphere outside said tub and its other side exposed to the interior of said tub, said diaphragm being in the form of a bag with its outer periphery and its center portion secured to said cover to form an annular' bellows surrounding said agitator; and means to create a vacuum in said tub.

5. In a washing machine; a tub; agitating means for said tub; a cover for said tub; hinge means securing said cover to swing upwardly from said tub about said hinge means; a porous diaphragm carried by said cover having one side exposed to the atmosphere outside said tub and its other side exposed to the interior of said tub.

to .create a vacuum tosaid tub.

Y RICHARD S; GAUGLER.

REFERENCES CITED VThe following references are of record in the Y file of this patent:

UNTED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date Robe 2 July 28, 1925 Crane Mar. 15, 1932 Hwass Jan. 25, 1898 1g Number Number 8 Name Date Crane Dec. 25, 1934 Yandell Mar. v5, 1935 Soderholm June 6,1939 Alward 2 Oct. 31, 1939 Hutchings Dec. 5, 1939 Chamberlin et al. Jan. 23,1940 Birr 'Main 10, 1942 Crane Nov. 30,1943 Baade Sept. 21, 1948 Rand 'June 7, 1949 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Great Britain July 10, 1930 Great Britain Jan. 22, 1931 Great Britain Aug. 19, 1938 

